SHL Inductive Reasoning study guide

Find the visual rules, check every changing feature and choose the missing figure. This guide covers the multiple-choice format.

Practice a mixed drillTry six worked examples

Eight-question drills · 18-question full practice · Visual sequences and matrices

Check the format in your invitation

SHL’s multiple-choice Inductive Reasoning assessment allows up to 18 questions in 24 minutes and uses adaptive delivery. You select an answer from the choices. Interactive Inductive uses a different response format and allows up to 15 tasks in 18 minutes.

Match the name and format on your assessment invitation.

Interactive Inductive ReasoningBuild patterns and connect sequences · 15 tasks · 18 minutesInductive Reasoning — Multiple ChoiceCurrent formatChoose the missing figure · 18 questions · 24 minutes

SHL multiple-choice Inductive fact sheet · SHL Interactive Inductive fact sheet

Work through six examples

Choose an answer before expanding the explanation. These original teaching examples are separate from the scored practice bank.

1. Track two paths

Two shapes move around the outside of the frame. Track each shape separately before comparing the answer choices.

Which figure comes next in the sequence?

Frame 1.black circle at top left; hollow square at top center
Frame 2.black circle at top center; hollow square at middle right
Frame 3.black circle at top right; hollow square at bottom center
Frame 4.hollow square at middle left; black circle at middle right
Frame 5.

Read the sequence from left to right. Scroll to see every figure.

Show answer and explanation

Answer C

The black circle moves one position clockwise around the eight outer positions. It goes from top-left to top-center, top-right and middle-right, so it next reaches bottom-right. The hollow square moves clockwise through the four edge centers: top, right, bottom and left. It therefore returns to top-center. Answer C has both shapes in the required places.

Step by step

  1. Circle: top-left → top-center → top-right → middle-right → bottom-right. Corners and edge centers are both part of this path.
  2. Square: top-center → middle-right → bottom-center → middle-left → top-center. This path uses only edge centers.
  3. Keep the appearances unchanged: a black circle and a hollow square. Choose bottom-right for the circle and top-center for the square.
  1. A.
    hollow square at top center; black circle at bottom center

    The square is correct, but the circle jumps past bottom-right to bottom-center.

  2. B.
    hollow square at middle right; black circle at bottom right

    The circle is correct, but the square advances two steps from middle-left instead of one.

  3. C.

    Correct answer

    hollow square at top center; black circle at bottom right

    Both positions and both appearances match: black circle at bottom-right, hollow square at top-center.

  4. D.
    black square at top center; black circle at bottom right

    Both positions match, but the square has become black. The given sequence never changes its hollow appearance.

  5. E.
    black circle at top center; hollow square at bottom right

    The positions belong to the opposite shapes: the circle should be at bottom-right and the square at top-center.

Text descriptions of the figures
  1. black circle at top left; hollow square at top center
  2. black circle at top center; hollow square at middle right
  3. black circle at top right; hollow square at bottom center
  4. hollow square at middle left; black circle at middle right
  5. Missing figure

A matching shape count is not enough. The next frame must put both shapes in the positions predicted by their own paths.

Practice movement & position

2. Separate direction from position

The shapes stay in place. Compare which way the arrow points and how the square is oriented.

Which figure comes next in the sequence?

Frame 1.black arrow pointing up and right at center; hollow square at bottom center
Frame 2.black arrow pointing right at center; hollow square with a corner pointing up at bottom center
Frame 3.black arrow pointing down and right at center; hollow square at bottom center
Frame 4.black arrow pointing down at center; hollow square with a corner pointing up at bottom center
Frame 5.

Read the sequence from left to right. Scroll to see every figure.

Show answer and explanation

Answer D

The arrow turns 45° clockwise each time: up-right, right, down-right and down, then down-left. The hollow square alternates between a flat top edge and a corner pointing up. After the corner-up square in frame 4, the next square has a flat top edge. Neither shape changes position. Answer D fits both changes.

Step by step

  1. Track the arrowhead, not the whole frame. Each change advances one eighth of a turn clockwise.
  2. After pointing down, one more 45° turn makes the arrow point down-left.
  3. The square alternates between upright and corner-up. It returns to upright at bottom-center while the arrow stays in the center.
  1. A.
    black arrow pointing left at center; hollow square at bottom center

    The arrow turns 90° from down to left; it should turn only 45° to down-left.

  2. B.
    black arrow pointing down and left at center; hollow square with a corner pointing up at bottom center

    The arrow is correct, but the square repeats the corner-up orientation rather than alternating back to upright.

  3. C.
    black arrow pointing down and right at center; hollow square at bottom center

    The square is correct, but the arrow reverses direction to down-right.

  4. D.

    Correct answer

    black arrow pointing down and left at center; hollow square at bottom center

    The centered arrow points down-left and the hollow square has a flat top edge at bottom-center.

  5. E.
    black arrow pointing down at center; hollow square at bottom center

    The square alternates correctly, but the arrow stays pointing down instead of continuing its turn.

Text descriptions of the figures
  1. black arrow pointing up and right at center; hollow square at bottom center
  2. black arrow pointing right at center; hollow square with a corner pointing up at bottom center
  3. black arrow pointing down and right at center; hollow square at bottom center
  4. black arrow pointing down at center; hollow square with a corner pointing up at bottom center
  5. Missing figure

Distinguish a shape turning in place from a shape moving to a different position. Check the second shape before committing to an answer.

Practice rotation & direction

3. Count what is added

Read positions from left to right across the top row, then continue across the middle row. Check the newest square as well as the total.

Which figure comes next in the sequence?

Frame 1.small hollow square at top left; small black square at top center
Frame 2.small hollow square at top left; small hollow square at top center; small black square at top right
Frame 3.small hollow square at top left; small hollow square at top center; small hollow square at top right; small black square at middle left
Frame 4.small hollow square at top left; small hollow square at top center; small hollow square at top right; small hollow square at middle left; small black square at center
Frame 5.

Read the sequence from left to right. Scroll to see every figure.

Show answer and explanation

Answer A

One square is added in each frame, filling the top row from left to right before moving to the middle row. The newest square is black and all earlier squares are hollow. Frame 4 has five squares, ending at the center. The sixth square goes at middle-right and is black; the other five are hollow. Answer A shows that arrangement.

Step by step

  1. The totals are 2, 3, 4 and 5, so the next total is 6.
  2. The occupied positions grow in reading order: top-left, top-center, top-right, middle-left, center, then middle-right.
  3. Only the newly added square is black. Change the previous black center square to hollow and add the black square at middle-right.
  1. A.

    Correct answer

    small hollow square at top left; small hollow square at top center; small hollow square at top right; small hollow square at middle left; small hollow square at center; small black square at middle right

    There are six squares in the first two rows; only the newest one, at middle-right, is black.

  2. B.
    small hollow square at top left; small hollow square at top center; small hollow square at top right; small hollow square at middle left; small black square at center

    This repeats frame 4. A sixth square must be added.

  3. C.
    small hollow square at top left; small hollow square at top center; small hollow square at top right; small hollow square at middle left; small hollow square at center; small hollow square at middle right

    The count and positions match, but the newest square should be black.

  4. D.
    small black square at top left; small hollow square at top center; small hollow square at top right; small hollow square at middle left; small hollow square at center; small hollow square at middle right

    The black square is at the start of the sequence of occupied positions. It should mark the newest square at middle-right.

  5. E.
    small hollow square at top left; small hollow square at top center; small hollow square at top right; small hollow square at middle left; small hollow square at center; small black square at bottom left

    The count and newest-black rule fit, but the added square skips middle-right and appears at bottom-left.

Text descriptions of the figures
  1. small hollow square at top left; small black square at top center
  2. small hollow square at top left; small hollow square at top center; small black square at top right
  3. small hollow square at top left; small hollow square at top center; small hollow square at top right; small black square at middle left
  4. small hollow square at top left; small hollow square at top center; small hollow square at top right; small hollow square at middle left; small black square at center
  5. Missing figure

Count, position and fill can change together. “Six squares” identifies the total but does not finish the problem.

Practice counting & quantities

4. Follow a cycle of fills

All three shapes keep their positions. Compare the black, gray and hollow appearances from one frame to the next.

Which figure comes next in the sequence?

Frame 1.black circle at top left; gray triangle at center; hollow square at bottom right
Frame 2.hollow circle at top left; black triangle at center; gray square at bottom right
Frame 3.gray circle at top left; hollow triangle at center; black square at bottom right
Frame 4.black circle at top left; gray triangle at center; hollow square at bottom right
Frame 5.

Read the sequence from left to right. Scroll to see every figure.

Show answer and explanation

Answer E

On each step, the circle takes the square’s previous fill, the triangle takes the circle’s previous fill, and the square takes the triangle’s previous fill. In frame 4 the circle is black, the triangle gray and the square hollow. The next frame therefore has a hollow circle at top-left, a black triangle in the center and a gray square at bottom-right. That is answer E.

Step by step

  1. Compare frames 1 and 2: the hollow fill moves from square to circle, black from circle to triangle, and gray from triangle to square.
  2. The same transfers produce frame 3 and then frame 4. No shape changes its position or orientation.
  3. Apply that transfer once more: circle hollow, triangle black, square gray. Check all three fills, not only the circle.
  1. A.
    gray circle at top left; hollow triangle at center; black square at bottom right

    These are the fills from frame 3. This reverses the cycle instead of advancing it.

  2. B.
    hollow circle at top left; gray triangle at center; black square at bottom right

    The circle is hollow as required, but the triangle should be black and the square gray.

  3. C.
    black circle at top left; gray triangle at center; hollow square at bottom right

    This repeats frame 4 without transferring the fills.

  4. D.
    hollow circle at top left; black triangle at center; hollow square at bottom right

    The circle and triangle are correct, but the square should receive the triangle’s previous gray fill.

  5. E.

    Correct answer

    hollow circle at top left; black triangle at center; gray square at bottom right

    All three fills transfer correctly, and the shapes keep their original positions.

Text descriptions of the figures
  1. black circle at top left; gray triangle at center; hollow square at bottom right
  2. hollow circle at top left; black triangle at center; gray square at bottom right
  3. gray circle at top left; hollow triangle at center; black square at bottom right
  4. black circle at top left; gray triangle at center; hollow square at bottom right
  5. Missing figure

Track the appearance attached to each shape. A pattern can transfer attributes without moving the shapes themselves.

Practice shading & appearance

5. Combine three independent rules

Three features change independently. Give each one a short rule, then apply all three rules to the same answer.

Which figure comes next in the sequence?

Frame 1.black circle at top left; small hollow triangle at top center; gray arrow pointing up and right at center
Frame 2.black circle at top right; small hollow triangle at middle left; gray arrow pointing right at center
Frame 3.gray arrow pointing down and right at center; small hollow triangle at bottom center; black circle at bottom right
Frame 4.gray arrow pointing down at center; small hollow triangle at middle right; black circle at bottom left
Frame 5.

Read the sequence from left to right. Scroll to see every figure.

Show answer and explanation

Answer B

The black circle advances clockwise around the four corners, so it returns to top-left. The small hollow triangle moves counterclockwise through the edge centers, so it goes from middle-right to top-center. The gray arrow turns 45° clockwise in the center, so it next points down-left. Answer B is the only option that satisfies all three rules.

Step by step

  1. Circle: top-left → top-right → bottom-right → bottom-left → top-left.
  2. Triangle: top-center → middle-left → bottom-center → middle-right → top-center. It remains small, hollow and upright.
  3. Arrow: up-right → right → down-right → down → down-left. Its position and gray fill do not change.
  4. Check one feature at a time in the options: circle top-left, triangle top-center, arrow down-left in the center.
  1. A.
    black circle at top left; gray arrow pointing down and left at center; small hollow triangle at bottom center

    The circle and arrow are correct, but the triangle reverses to bottom-center instead of continuing to top-center.

  2. B.

    Correct answer

    black circle at top left; small hollow triangle at top center; gray arrow pointing down and left at center

    All three rules fit: circle top-left, small hollow triangle top-center and centered gray arrow pointing down-left.

  3. C.
    black circle at top left; small hollow triangle at top center; gray arrow pointing left at center

    The shapes are positioned correctly, but the arrow turns 90° instead of 45°.

  4. D.
    small hollow triangle at top center; black circle at top right; gray arrow pointing down and left at center

    The triangle and arrow are correct, but the circle skips top-left and goes straight to top-right.

  5. E.
    small hollow triangle at top left; black circle at top center; gray arrow pointing down and left at center

    The arrow is correct, but the circle and triangle exchange their required positions.

Text descriptions of the figures
  1. black circle at top left; small hollow triangle at top center; gray arrow pointing up and right at center
  2. black circle at top right; small hollow triangle at middle left; gray arrow pointing right at center
  3. gray arrow pointing down and right at center; small hollow triangle at bottom center; black circle at bottom right
  4. gray arrow pointing down at center; small hollow triangle at middle right; black circle at bottom left
  5. Missing figure

An option that fits two rules can still be wrong. Close alternatives make the final all-rule check essential.

Practice combined rules

6. Check rows and columns

This is a 3 × 3 matrix, not one long sequence. Each large cell contains its own arrangement of circles. Compare the complete rows and columns.

Which figure completes the bottom-right cell of the matrix?

Row 1, column 1.small hollow circle at top left
Row 1, column 2.small gray circle at middle left
Row 1, column 3.small black circle at bottom left
Row 2, column 1.small hollow circle at top left; small hollow circle at top center
Row 2, column 2.small gray circle at middle left; small gray circle at center
Row 2, column 3.small black circle at bottom left; small black circle at bottom center
Row 3, column 1.small hollow circle at top left; small hollow circle at top center; small hollow circle at top right
Row 3, column 2.small gray circle at middle left; small gray circle at center; small gray circle at middle right
Row 3, column 3.

Compare the rows and columns to find the missing figure.

Show answer and explanation

Answer D

The matrix’s first row has one circle per cell, the second row two, and the third row three. Across each row, the circle group moves from the top of its cell to the middle and then the bottom; its fill changes from hollow to gray to black. The missing cell is in matrix row 3 and column 3, so it needs three black circles across its bottom: bottom-left, bottom-center and bottom-right. Answer D fits.

Step by step

  1. Count down a complete column: one, two, then three circles. The missing cell must have three.
  2. Compare the first two complete matrix rows. Column 1 puts circles at the top; column 2 in the middle; column 3 at the bottom.
  3. The fills also depend on the column: hollow, then gray, then black. The missing cell is in the black column.
  4. Combine count, position and fill: three black circles across the bottom of the missing cell.
  1. A.
    small gray circle at bottom left; small gray circle at bottom center; small gray circle at bottom right

    The count and positions fit, but gray belongs to the middle column of the matrix. The missing cell needs black circles.

  2. B.
    small black circle at bottom left; small black circle at bottom center

    The black fill and bottom positions fit, but two circles belong to matrix row 2. Row 3 needs three.

  3. C.
    small black circle at top left; small black circle at top center; small black circle at top right

    The count and black fill fit, but the circles should be at the bottom of the cell, not the top.

  4. D.

    Correct answer

    small black circle at bottom left; small black circle at bottom center; small black circle at bottom right

    Three black circles at bottom-left, bottom-center and bottom-right satisfy the row and column patterns.

  5. E.
    small hollow circle at bottom left; small hollow circle at bottom center; small hollow circle at bottom right

    The count and positions fit, but hollow circles belong to column 1. Column 3 uses black circles.

Text descriptions of the figures
  1. small hollow circle at top left
  2. small gray circle at middle left
  3. small black circle at bottom left
  4. small hollow circle at top left; small hollow circle at top center
  5. small gray circle at middle left; small gray circle at center
  6. small black circle at bottom left; small black circle at bottom center
  7. small hollow circle at top left; small hollow circle at top center; small hollow circle at top right
  8. small gray circle at middle left; small gray circle at center; small gray circle at middle right
  9. Missing figure

Use both directions of a matrix. A correct count with the wrong position or fill does not complete the demonstrated pattern.

Practice matrices & grids

Practice the skill behind the mistake

Our drills separate six useful rule families. The full practice mixes them, so you have to identify the rule from the diagram itself.

Movement & position

Track one object across every frame. Name its positions and check direction, step size and whether it uses corners, edge centers or all outer positions.

Watch for: Two shapes can follow different paths. Do not assume that a turning shape has also changed position.

Practice this drill

Rotation & direction

Follow a distinctive arrowhead or corner. Compare the size and direction of each turn, then check any other changing feature.

Watch for: Symmetrical shapes can look unchanged after a turn. Distinguish a rotation from a reflection or a move to a new location.

Practice this drill

Counting & quantities

Count shapes, groups or occupied positions. Check which items are added or removed and where the change occurs.

Watch for: An answer can have the correct total but put the shapes in the wrong arrangement. Count and placement must both fit.

Practice this drill

Shading & appearance

Track black, gray and hollow fills separately from the shape identities. Check whether appearances alternate, cycle or transfer between positions.

Watch for: Following only the darkest object can miss a second rule. Account for the unchanged shapes as well.

Practice this drill

Combined rules

Write a short rule for each changing feature: position, direction, count and appearance. Apply every rule before selecting an option.

Watch for: A close distractor may satisfy most of the rules. Recheck the feature you have not yet used to eliminate it.

Practice this drill

Matrices & grids

Compare complete rows and columns. Find which features change across a row and which change down a column, then combine them in the missing cell.

Watch for: Do not read a matrix as a single left-to-right sequence unless the diagram actually establishes that order.

Practice this drill

A repeatable way to solve a pattern

  1. 1. Identify the layout

    A sequence progresses from left to right. A matrix gives rows and columns to compare. Locate the missing frame or cell before testing a rule.

  2. 2. Separate the features

    Track position, direction, quantity and appearance independently. Start with a shape or attribute that changes clearly, then check the rest.

  3. 3. Test the rule against every given figure

    A rule that explains only the final two frames may be a coincidence. Check earlier transitions or the other complete rows and columns.

  4. 4. Predict, then eliminate

    Describe the expected figure before relying on the options. Eliminate an option as soon as it breaks one established rule; confirm every feature in the remaining choice.

Use 80 seconds as a pacing reference

Eighteen questions in 24 minutes averages 80 seconds per question. There is no separate 80-second limit here: straightforward items can leave more time for a difficult combination of rules.

Read accurately first

Check the entire diagram and all five choices. If a detail is hard to see, enlarge it instead of guessing whether a shape is filled or where it sits.

Change approach when stuck

After checking movement, try count or shading; in a matrix, switch from rows to columns. Repeating the same unsuccessful idea rarely helps.

Check, submit and move on

Our practice is forward-only. Confirm the selected option before submitting. The full test keeps its clock running and reveals the explanations after you finish.

A practical study order

  1. 1. Try unfamiliar mixed questions

    Complete an eight-question mixed drill. Review correct guesses as well as mistakes. Note whether you missed a rule, misread a position or chose before checking every feature.

  2. 2. Practice the recurring rule family

    Choose the relevant drill. After reading an explanation, describe the rule in your own words and predict the answer without looking at the options.

  3. 3. Return to mixed practice

    Practice recognizing the rule without a topic heading to guide you. Prefer unfamiliar items where available; remembering a diagram’s answer is not the same as solving a new one.

  4. 4. Rehearse the full 24 minutes

    Set aside uninterrupted time, then review the saved answers after finishing. Check omissions, time spent on difficult items and recurring errors before choosing your next drill.

Rehearse the full assessment

Our full practice has 18 questions, a 24-minute clock and feedback at the end. Question selection adjusts through our editorial difficulty levels while covering the six topics. It is an independent practice model; its raw score and training goals do not predict an official SHL percentile or an employer’s decision.

View full timed practiceSee all practice options

One multiple-choice Inductive pass covers its full tests and drill replays. Each drill has a free first attempt where your account’s access includes a trial. Saved reviews stay available.

Common questions

Is this the same as SHL Interactive Inductive Reasoning?

They test related reasoning skills but use different response formats. This practice is for the multiple-choice format, for which SHL specifies up to 18 questions in 24 minutes. Interactive Inductive uses activity-based responses and allows up to 15 tasks in 18 minutes. Match the name and response format in your invitation.

Are all the questions sequences?

No. The official multiple-choice examples include choosing the next image and replacing a missing piece in a grid. Our practice includes both visual sequences and 3 × 3 matrices, with drills for the underlying rule families.

Is the practice adaptive?

Question selection responds to your answers using our Foundation, Intermediate and Challenge levels, while keeping topic coverage balanced. These levels and the selection method are editorial practice choices. They do not reproduce SHL’s item parameters, adaptive algorithm or score.

Can I return to an earlier question?

Our scored practice moves forward only. You can change a selected option before submitting; once you move on, the question cannot be changed during that sitting. Short drills explain each submitted answer. Full timed practice shows feedback at the end. Follow the navigation instructions in your real assessment separately.

What score means I am ready?

Look for accurate work on unfamiliar questions, controlled pacing and fewer repeated errors. Our demanding training goals are provisional practice targets. They are not official pass marks, percentiles or a guarantee of an employer’s decision. Remembered answers and a high score on an easier sitting are not enough on their own.

What does the multiple-choice Inductive pass cover?

It covers this assessment’s drill replays and full timed practice. Each short drill has a first free attempt where your account’s access includes a trial. Saved answers, explanations and progress remain available after a pass expires. Interactive Inductive and other assessment types have separate passes.

Are these real SHL questions?

No. These are original practice questions. The question bank, diagrams, explanations and training goals are independently developed by Game Assessment Prep. We are not affiliated with SHL.

Official SHL references

The multiple-choice format covered here is Verify Inductive Reasoning v2 (2014). SHL lists it alongside Interactive Inductive as a replacement for the older v1 assessment. Check your current invitation when choosing practice.

Independent preparation from Game Assessment Prep. Not affiliated with or endorsed by SHL.